Chapter 2 Sex Research: Methods and Problems

Goals of Sexology The study of sexuality Goal is to: –Understand sexual behavior –Predict sexual behavior –Control / Influence sexual behavior Ethical considerations when controlling behavior Is applying research findings to control or modify behavior a legitimate aim of sex research?

Non-Experimental Research Methods: Case Studies Single subject or small group –Each studied individually and in depth Data gathered using: –Direct observation –Questionnaires –Testing –Experimentation

Non-experimental Research Methods: Case Study Advantages: –In depth explorations –Flexibility in data gathering procedures Disadvantages: –Hard to generalize results –Often based on retrospective self-report –Not suitable for many research questions

Non-experimental Research Methods: Survey Methods Small to large samples of people Data gathered using: –Face-to-face interviews –Questionnaires Can be computerized or distributed online Choosing the sample –Representative sample –Random sample

Non-experimental Research Methods: Survey Methods Advantages: –Questionnaires: anonymity may improve honesty, cheaper –Interviews: more flexible, rapport, may improve clarity & understanding Disadvantages: –Non-response –Demographic bias –Inaccurate information

Non-experimental Research Methods: Survey Methods Examples: –The Kinsey Reports –The National Health and Social Life Survey –The Youth Risk Behavior Survey –Violent Pornography and Alcohol Use survey

Non-experimental Research Methods Outcome from Survey Data

Non-experimental Research Methods: Direct Observation Studies Small to moderate samples Observe and record responses of subjects - Reliability increases with representative sample and accuracy of recording devices Advantages: –Eliminates possibility of falsification –Records can be kept indefinitely Disadvantages: –Self-selection, behavior influenced by observers, expense

Non-experimental Research Methods Which of the non-experimental research methods has provided the most data about human sexuality?

The Experimental Method: Procedures Small to moderate samples: –Independent variable Condition or component that is manipulated –Dependent variable Outcome or resulting behavior Reliability and validity increase with: –Random selection –Random assignment

The Experimental Method Advantages: –Lowers the influence of other variables –Can establish cause-effect relationships Disadvantages: –Being measured may affect actions –Artificiality of laboratory setting

Technologies in Sex Research Electronic devices for measuring sexual arousal –Penile strain gauge measures slightest change in penis size –Vaginal photoplethysmograph measures increased vaginal blood volume

Measuring Sexual Arousal

Technologies in Sex Research Computer assisted self-interview (CASI) - Eliminates literacy issues and negative impact of interviewer; participants may prefer over face-to- face interview Research in Cyberspace –Advantages: Cheaper and more efficient; nearly limitless survey pool –Disadvantages: sample selection bias, low response rates; privacy and ethical issues

Ethical Guidelines for Human Sex Research No pressure or coercion for participation Informed consent and voluntary participation Confidentiality and anonymity Question of deception Institutional ethics review

Evaluating Research: Questions to Ask Why was the research done? Who did the research? What are their credentials? What biases are there? Who were the participants? How were they selected & assigned to groups? How was the research conducted? What methods were used? Where was the research reported? What additional support is there?